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One of the most common complaints from homeowners during the growing season is the appearance of a black, soot-like coating on leaves, stems, patios, vehicles, and outdoor furniture beneath landscape plants. While many assume this black growth is a plant disease, the real culprit is often an insect infestation. Sooty mold is a fungal growth that develops on honeydew, a sticky, sugar-rich waste product excreted by sap-feeding insects. Common honeydew-producing pests in Texas landscapes include aphids, whiteflies, scales, mealybugs, and psyllids. As these insects feed on plant sap, they remove more sugar than they can utilize and excrete the excess as honeydew. Sooty mold fungi then colonize this sticky residue, forming a dark coating on plant surfaces. The mold itself does not infect plant tissues or directly damage leaves. However, heavy accumulations can block sunlight and reduce photosynthesis, leading to decreased plant vigor and aesthetic quality. In severe cases, leaves may yellow, growth may slow, and plants can become stressed, particularly when combined with other environmental challenges. Several landscape plants are commonly affected by sooty mold in Texas, including crape myrtle, gardenia, holly, hibiscus, magnolia, citrus, and many ornamental trees and shrubs. Crape myrtle bark scale, for example, is a frequent cause of heavy honeydew production and subsequent sooty mold development on crape myrtles. Likewise, whiteflies and aphids often contribute to outbreaks on ornamentals and flowering plants. Successful management requires addressing the underlying insect problem rather than focusing solely on the mold. Begin by inspecting plants carefully, especially the undersides of leaves and stems, where many sap-feeding insects congregate. Look for live insects, cast skins, sticky honeydew, or ant activity. Ants are often attracted to honeydew and may indicate the presence of hidden pest populations. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach is the most effective strategy. Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles, lacewings, parasitic wasps, and predatory bugs that help suppress aphids, scales, and whiteflies. Avoid unnecessary broad-spectrum insecticide applications that may disrupt beneficial insect populations. When pest numbers exceed acceptable levels, select insecticides based on the target pest and follow all label directions. Once the insect population is reduced, honeydew production will decline, and existing sooty mold will gradually weather away through rainfall, irrigation, and normal leaf growth. In some situations, washing leaves with water can improve appearance, but this will not solve the problem if the insects remain active. When blackened leaves appear in the landscape, remember that sooty mold is usually a symptom rather than the primary issue. Identifying and managing the honeydew-producing insects will provide the most effective long-term solution and help maintain healthy, attractive landscape plants throughout the season.
Figure: Sooty mold on crape myrtle leaves (A) caused by crape myrtle aphid (B), and sooty mold on crape myrtle stem/bark caused by crape myrtle bark scale (C)
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Excess rainfall during spring and summer can significantly increase pest pressure in nurseries, greenhouses, and landscapes. Warm temperatures combined with high humidity and prolonged moisture create favorable conditions for rapid pest development, survival, and spread. Soft-bodied insects such as aphids, whiteflies, thrips, and mites often become more active during wet weather periods. Excess moisture promotes lush plant growth and tender foliage, which are highly attractive to many pests. Standing water and saturated growing media can also encourage European pepper moth, fungus gnats and shore flies, particularly in greenhouse production systems. Wet conditions can make pest management more challenging. Rain may reduce the effectiveness of contact insecticides by washing away spray residues, often requiring repeated applications. Prolonged wet weather can also limit access to production areas, making routine scouting and timely pesticide applications difficult. High humidity and dense plant canopies further complicate early pest detection. Many pests, including thrips and mites, remain hidden within flowers, buds, or on the undersides of leaves, allowing populations to build unnoticed. In addition, storm events and strong winds may contribute to the movement and spread of invasive pests into new production areas. Excess rainfall may also disrupt beneficial insect activity. Natural enemies such as predators and parasitoids are often less active during prolonged storms and humid conditions, reducing natural pest suppression and allowing pest populations to increase rapidly once environmental conditions improve. Implementing proactive integrated pest management (IPM) practices is essential during periods of excessive rainfall. Regular scouting and monitoring with sticky traps can help detect pest populations early. Improving drainage, increasing air circulation, maintaining proper sanitation, avoiding overwatering, and removing heavily infested plant material can reduce favorable conditions for pests. Rotating insecticides with different modes of action and conserving beneficial insects are also important strategies for long-term pest management and resistance prevention. As weather patterns continue to become increasingly unpredictable, adopting management practices and maintaining consistent monitoring programs will remain  Rafia Khan, Ph. D.
Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Overton, TX On May 15, 2026, TNLA met with San Antonio Water System (SAWS) to discuss a new pilot initiative called the WaterSaver Pro Program for large residential properties. This program is designed to recognize landscape and irrigation practices that demonstrate long-term water savings, efficient irrigation use, and landscape resilience. Program Overview: According to SAWS, WaterSaver establishes both minimum and enhanced “Pro” standards for the design, installation, and retrofit of irrigation and landscape systems on residential properties with irrigated areas greater than or equal to 10,000 square feet. This program is intended for: landscape designers, irrigation professionals, builders, landscape installation contractors. SAWS emphasized that the major theme throughout the program is intentionality; designing landscapes and irrigation systems with long-term efficiency, water conservation, and site functionality in mind. Benefits of WaterSaver Pro Participation Projects achieving the WaterSaver Pro designation may qualify for:
WaterSaver Pro Point Categories SAWS outlined four major scoring components:
Additional items discussed during the meeting included:
Pilot Program Participation TNLA discussed the importance of identifying potential pilot participants, particularly:
SAWS indicated they are still refining some program details, including: approved smart controller models, pilot program timelines, communication and submittal procedures At this time, SAWS recommended that participants communicate progress through spreadsheets and submitted irrigation/landscape plans as projects are finalized. Next StepsTNLA is currently gathering interest from members who may want to participate in the pilot program or provide industry feedback as SAWS continues developing the WaterSaver Pro standards. If you are interested in participating in the pilot program or learning more, please contact TNLA. We will coordinate with SAWS regarding next steps and future discussions. Below are the materials SAWS provided outlining:
Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team
When growers and landscape professionals think about insects, the first thought is often pests and the damage they cause. However, not all insects are harmful. Many beneficial insects play an important role in naturally suppressing pest populations in greenhouses, nurseries, and landscapes. These “good bugs” are valuable partners in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs and can help reduce reliance on chemical insecticides. Beneficial insects are a key component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. They help suppress pests naturally and can improve long-term pest management success when properly conserved or introduced into production systems. Two important groups of beneficial insects are predators and parasitoids. Predators actively consume pests throughout their life cycle. Common examples include lady beetles, green lacewings, minute pirate bugs, predatory mites, and hover fly larvae. These natural enemies feed on aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, scales, thrips, and other soft-bodied pests commonly encountered in Texas greenhouses and landscapes. Parasitoids are specialized insects, usually tiny wasps, that develop inside or on a host insect and eventually kill it. Several parasitoid species are commercially available and widely used in greenhouse biological control programs, especially for whitefly and aphid management. Parasitoids are specialized insects, usually tiny wasps, that develop inside or on a host insect and eventually kill it. Several parasitoid species are commercially available and widely used in greenhouse biological control programs, especially for whitefly and aphid management. Greenhouse environments often provide ideal conditions for biological control because temperature, humidity, and pest populations can be monitored more closely. In landscapes and nurseries, conserving naturally occurring beneficial insects can also provide significant pest suppression over time. Unfortunately, beneficial populations are frequently disrupted by unnecessary or repeated applications of broad-spectrum insecticides. One of the biggest challenges in pest management is recognizing when beneficial insects are already helping control a pest problem. In some situations, professionals may apply insecticides before evaluating predator or parasitoid activity. This can eliminate natural enemies and create secondary pest outbreaks or pest resurgence. In addition, repeated use of the same insecticide groups can contribute to pesticide resistance, making future pest management more difficult. Scouting remains one of the most important tools in preserving beneficial insects. Correct identification of both pests and beneficials allows professionals to make informed treatment decisions. When insecticide applications are necessary, selecting reduced-risk or selective products can help preserve natural enemy populations while still managing key pests. Habitat also plays a role in supporting beneficial insects. Flowering plants, reduced dust, proper irrigation management, and minimizing unnecessary pesticide exposure can all encourage beneficial activity in landscapes and production systems. Biological control is not always a complete replacement for insecticides, but it is an effective management tool when incorporated into a broader IPM strategy. As greenhouse and landscape industries continue to face challenges from invasive pests, environmental concerns, and pesticide resistance, beneficial insects should not be viewed as forgotten tools. Instead, they should be recognized as valuable partners in sustainable pest management programs. Photo credit: Rafia Khan, Ph. D. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Overton, TX. Last week, TNLA traveled to Washington, D.C. alongside members of Texas’ green industry for the annual H-2B Fly-In. During the trip, TNLA members met directly with Congressional offices to discuss workforce challenges impacting green industry businesses across Texas. The conversations focused heavily on the seasonal H-2B VISA program. For many green industry businesses, these workers help keep projects on schedule during peak seasons while also supporting year-round American jobs within their companies. Why This Matters to Texas’ Green Industry Texas’ green industry continues to face significant workforce shortages, particularly during high-demand periods in the spring and summer. During our meetings in Washington, TNLA members had the opportunity to speak directly with Congressional staff about how these workforce challenges affect their businesses on a day-to-day basis. Members shared personal stories about trying to keep crews staffed during peak project seasons, balancing growing customer demand, and managing the uncertainty that comes with not knowing whether seasonal workers will arrive on time. Some discussed the pressure of meeting timelines for government and commercial contracts, while others explained how workforce shortages impact long-term business planning and growth. Several members also highlighted that dependable seasonal labor helps create opportunities for year-round American employees by allowing businesses to expand operations, invest in training, and move workers into higher-skilled positions over time.  One of the most impactful aspects of the trip was ensuring policymakers heard directly from employers experiencing these challenges firsthand. What Was Discussed in Washington A major focus of this year’s advocacy effort was support for the proposed “Certified Seasonal Employer” language currently being discussed in federal appropriations negotiations. The Certified Seasonal Employer proposal is designed to reward businesses that have consistently followed the rules and responsibly used the H-2B program over multiple years. Under the proposal, employers that have received H-2B labor certifications for the past five years would be allowed to maintain access to the highest number of seasonal workers they were previously certified for without those workers counting against the annual H-2B cap. One way to think about it is this: businesses that have proven year after year they are compliant, dependable, and operating legally would no longer have to “re-enter the lottery” every season just to maintain the same workforce levels they have historically relied upon. Currently, the H-2B program has an annual visa cap of 66,000 per fiscal year that has not been updated in decades despite major economic growth and increased workforce demand. The proposed language would reward long-time, compliant employers (certified for the last five years) instead of forcing them to compete under the same uncertainty each season. These workers would not be included in the cap. Where the Language StandsThe Certified Seasonal Employer language is currently being discussed as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations process in Congress. Rather than moving as a standalone immigration bill, the proposal is being pursued through the federal appropriations process because Congress frequently uses annual funding legislation to address operational H-2B issues and cap relief measures. In this case, industry groups are advocating for the language to be included in the baseline DHS Appropriations bill because DHS oversees key parts of the H-2B program, including visa allocation and administration. The proposal has already gained significant attention in Washington. According to industry briefings shared during the fly-in, the White House previously supported inclusion of the Certified Seasonal Employer language during earlier federal funding negotiations, and advocates are continuing to push for its inclusion in the final FY27 DHS funding package. This means the current focus is on educating Congressional offices, appropriations staff, and committee leadership about why workforce certainty is critical for seasonal employers and why long-time, compliant businesses should receive more predictability within the H-2B process. For TNLA members, the issue is not simply about increasing workforce numbers; it is about creating a more stable and predictable system that allows responsible employers to better plan projects, retain year-round employees, and continue supporting Texas’ growing economy. What Success Looks Like For TNLA members, success would mean:
TNLA appreciates the members who traveled to Washington to ensure the voice of Texas’ green industry was represented on Capitol Hill. Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team The Water Conservation Advisory Council (WCAC) is a state advisory body created by the 80th Texas Legislature in 2007 and operates under the Texas Water Development Board. One of their duties is to provide legislative recommendations to the Texas Legislature and state agencies on water conservation strategies and policies. The Council recently met to review and advance draft legislative recommendations focused on water conservation strategies across Texas. These discussions are particularly important during the interim, as WCAC recommendations can inform future legislation, rulemaking, and statewide water policy initiatives. For TNLA members, these priorities signal potential changes to irrigation practices, reporting requirements, and funding opportunities that could directly impact business operations and compliance. Key Legislative Priorities: Landscape & Irrigation Best Practices (Master Valves) A recommendation was approved to require installation of master valves on all new landscape irrigation systems. These devices help prevent water loss from leaks and system failures and are considered a low-cost, high-impact conservation tool when installed upfront. Member impact: Contractors and irrigation professionals may see increased demand for master valve installation and should be aware of evolving expectations. Statewide Evapotranspiration (ET) Network WCAC is recommending that the Legislature provide additional funding to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to expand and support a statewide evapotranspiration (ET) network within the TexMesonet program. Evapotranspiration (ET) is a measurement of how much water is lost from soil and plants to the atmosphere through evaporation and plant use, and it is a key tool for determining how much and when to irrigate. The recommendation includes increasing appropriations (approximately $1.2 million for the biennium) to support:
This builds on the existing TexMesonet network, which was established to provide statewide weather and water data but currently lacks sufficient resources to fully incorporate ET data. Member impact: Expanded ET data access could support more precise irrigation practices and strengthen the case for smart irrigation technologies. This may create opportunities for members offering advanced irrigation solutions. Irrigation Requirements for Single-Family Rental Properties (Still Under Development) WCAC is examining a proposal to update Public Utility Commission rules to extend existing tenant water-use protections to single-family rental properties. Currently, tenants in apartments, condominiums, and manufactured housing have protections related to water billing and responsibility under submetering rules. However, these protections do not apply to single-family rentals. In some cases, landlords require tenants to irrigate landscapes to maintain the property, even during periods when local water restrictions are in place. This can result in tenants facing fines, penalties, or higher water bills for actions required under their lease. The proposal would align all rental property types by extending these protections to single-family rentals, helping ensure tenants are not penalized for irrigation requirements outside their control. Member impact: Could affect how irrigation services are directed and who is responsible for compliance on rental properties, requiring landscape professionals to follow local water restrictions regardless of lease requirements. Agricultural Water Conservation Funding WCAC is recommending that water conservation projects, such as irrigation efficiency improvements and drought-resilience measures be clearly recognized as eligible for financial assistance through the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority (TAFA). While TAFA already provides low-interest loans and other financial tools for agricultural production, water conservation is not explicitly identified in statute. WCAC’s recommendation is to highlight and reinforce that these activities qualify under existing authority. This recommendation does not create new funding or prioritize water conservation over other uses but instead increases awareness of existing financing options. Member impact: Increased visibility of funding opportunities could benefit selected growers engaged in water-efficient practices, particularly those eligible for conservation-related financial assistance. Municipal Water Use Transparency WCAC is recommending stronger reporting and visibility of:
The goal is to improve accountability and encourage better performance through clearer, more accessible data. This would include a full-time employee assisting utilities, review submitting data, and posting the conservation/reuse BMP volumes. Their path is for Texas utilities and water planning regions to better understand the progress and effectiveness of implementing water conservation and reuse strategies. Member impact: Increased transparency may lead to heightened scrutiny of outdoor water use and irrigation practices, particularly in municipal or commercial settings. This could influence local regulations, customer expectations, and how water use is tracked and reported. What’s Next WCAC will now move into developing a formal legislative report, including summaries and supporting visuals.
Why It Matters These recommendations signal a continued focus on:
TNLA will continue monitoring as recommendations are finalized and assessing potential impacts on the green industry. Texas producers and green industry businesses have access to new funding and financing opportunities that may help support growth, equipment upgrades, and long-term investment. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), through the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority (TAFA), is currently offering two programs designed to strengthen agricultural operations and improve access to capital. 1. AgPro Grant Program The Agricultural Production Resource Opportunity (AgPro) Grant Program provides funding to help producers improve, expand, and strengthen their operations. What this can support:
This program is designed for businesses looking to invest in efficiency, innovation, and long-term growth. 2. Agricultural Loan Guarantee (ALG) Program The Texas Agricultural Loan Guarantee (ALG) Program helps increase access to financing by reducing risk for lenders through a state-backed guarantee. What this means for businesses:
Loan guarantees can cover up to 90% of the loan amount, depending on size, helping lenders feel more confident in approving financing. Why This Matters Access to capital continues to be a key challenge for many businesses across the green industry. Programs like these can help:
Strengthen long-term stability Learn More: For full program details and application information: Questions?Casey Corley Rafia Khan, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Overton, TX Winter can feel like a break from pest pressure, but for nursery and greenhouse growers, many insects are still present and waiting for the right conditions. Protected structures, mild winter weather, and overwintering life stages allow many pests to survive on plants, in pots, in growing areas, in debris, and in weeds. If these pest populations are not addressed, they often resume early and aggressively in spring. Common winter pests include aphids, thrips, mealybugs, scale insects, whiteflies, spider mites, and greenhouse moth pests such as the European pepper moth. These insects can survive on plant material, in potting media, or within greenhouse structures, often going unnoticed until populations increase. Programmed scouting remains the foundation of winter Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Monitoring efforts should be focused on current in-house plants and newly arrived plant material. Inspect leaf undersides, stems, and growing points, and use sticky cards to detect flying insects early. Cultural practices play a key role in reducing pest pressure during winter. Sanitation, such as the removal of plant debris, leftover shipped plants, weeds, volunteer plants, and unused containers, should be removed from the production sites as they may harbor pests. Manage irrigation carefully to avoid conditions favorable for fungus gnats and root pests, and inspect incoming plants before placing them into production areas. When treatments are necessary, applying products strategically and rotating insecticide modes of action helps protect product performance and avoid costly resistance issues. Winter is also the best time for growers to step back and evaluate what worked and what didn’t during the past season. Reviewing pest records, adjusting management plans, and training employees to recognize early pest signs can pay off quickly. Investing time in winter pest management reduces carryover populations, improves plant quality, and helps operations enter spring with fewer surprises and lower control costs. Figure: Some greenhouse pests in winter. European pepper moth larva (A) and adult (B), Thrips (C), and mealybug (D)We heard you. Members told us they were missing emails, getting too many updates, or finding it hard to track down what mattered most. You wanted one simple place where everything TNLA lives — news, tools, discussions, and networking. So we built it. 💡 Meet TNLA Hive, our brand-new online community for the Texas Green Industry. It’s like Facebook — but just for TNLA members and Green Industry professionals. Whether you’re a grower, landscaper, retailer, irrigation pro, or supplier, TNLA Hive is your digital home base to connect, learn, and stay informed 365 days a year. 💬 Why We Created TNLA Hive Our members are the heart of everything we do. Over the past few years, we’ve heard common feedback:
TNLA Hive brings all of that together — one login, one community, one easy-to-use platform. You can access Hive on your computer or through our mobile app, making it easy to check in no matter where you are — in the field, at the office, or on the road. What You’ll Find Inside TNLA HiveOnce you log in, you’ll see everything TNLA — all in one place: ⚖️ Legislative & Regulatory Updates — Stay informed on key issues like H-2A, water policy, and more. 🌿 Groups for Every Interest — Join spaces like Women in Horticulture, Leadership Bootcamp, Certification Professionals, and your Regional Chapter. 🎓 Education & CEUs — Access upcoming webinars, workshops, and professional development opportunities. 💼 Job Board — Find or post open positions in the Texas Green Industry. 📰 News & Blogs — Read the latest TNLA updates, member stories, and industry insights. It’s all right at your fingertips — no digging through emails or searching multiple pages How to Get StartedIt’s easy to join in! 1️⃣ Go to thehive.tnlaonline.org 2️⃣ Log in using your TNLA account (or create one if you’re new!) 3️⃣ Join a group, post a question, or introduce yourself in the Live Feed Prefer to use your phone? Download the TNLA Hive app from your app store. 📱 🎥 Need a little guidance? Watch our quick Youtube Tutorial for a step-by-step walkthrough of how to log in and get started. 👉 https://youtu.be/1Qsrx0D6Rck?si=hBMHTpBXE3uwYnr 🌻 A Community Built for You TNLA Hive was built to make it easier for you to connect, learn, and grow — all year long. Whether you want to discuss new irrigation technology, connect with other women in horticulture, or find your next great hire, Hive is the place to do it.
Because when we’re connected, our members — and our industry — grow stronger. 🌿 👉 Log in today: thehive.tnlaonline.or  Last week, TNLA hosted a webinar with Jeremy Mazur, one of Texas’ leading voices on water policy, to examine how Proposition 4 and other statewide initiatives could shape the future of our state’s water supply, conservation, and infrastructure. Proposition 4—on the ballot this November—would dedicate $1 billion per year from existing sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund producing up to $20 billion of new funding over the next 20 years.
Jeremy emphasized that while new funding tools are essential, Texas’ long-term water security will ultimately depend on sustained infrastructure investment and close collaboration among utilities, landscapers, growers, and irrigators. He highlighted the role TNLA members already play in leading the way—designing sustainable landscapes, advancing efficient irrigation practices, and advocating for balanced policies that promote both conservation and customer choice. 📺 Watch the full webinar here: https://youtu.be/lq-BuOC35qY 🎧 Listen to the full conversation here: https://tinyurl.com/bdfv6buk |
AuthorTNLA Staff Archives
September 2026
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